THE Guyana Police Force wishes to respond to an article published in the Stabroek News on Monday November 15, 2010, under the caption “Wismar residents slam arrests”.
The article dealt with the residents being dissatisfied with the actions of the police, following their arrest of a suspected goat thief who was handed over to the police.
The Force wishes to state that upon being aware of the article an investigation into the allegations was launched. Investigations into the matter involving the suspect were recommenced by a team of ranks from “E & F” Divisional Headquarters during which it was found that there were shortcomings in the initial response and investigations done by the ranks at Linden.
The suspect was rearrested and a statement obtained from the complainant following which he was charged with larceny of a goat. He appeared at the Christianburg Magistrate Court on November 16, 2010, where he pleaded not guilty and was remanded to prison until November 30, 2010.
The suspect had initially claimed that he was beaten by persons who had arrested him and handed him over to the police, however when the team of investigators questioned him prior to his being charged he could not say definitely who those persons were.
During the Christmas Policing presentation on November 18, 2010, at the LINMINE Constabulary Hall, Linden, Divisional Commander Assistant Commissioner David Ramnarine took the opportunity to commend the actions of the citizens who pursued and arrested the suspect after he was observed in a yard and attempted to flee.